Petaling Jaya, August 8, 2003

Merck Sharp & Dohme together with Schering-Plough spearheaded an independent research study amongst 336 adults in the Klang Valley to gauge awareness and understanding of cholesterol.

The research, conducted on adults aged between 25 - 60 years, revealed that firstly, whilst awareness on cholesterol is absolute, only 47% of the adults have actually checked their cholesterol level at some point in their lives.  Almost all respondents were also under the misconception that cholesterol in the body came from diet alone, where in fact two-thirds of cholesterol was produced by the liver as well as through intestinal absorption. They were also under the impression that exercising and eating sensibly alone could lower cholesterol levels, where in fact it only reduces cholesterol levels by 10 – 15%.

This survey was initiated in conjunction with a new development in cholesterol reduction therapy.  This new therapy, a selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor taken together with the conventional statin, provides more significant reduction in cholesterol level.

The news of the breakthrough was shared with the medical professionals through a series of CME (continuing medical education) programs. Prof. Claude Benedict, Professor of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology of Texas Medical School, presented talks in a lecture tour which included major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru and Kuching. In Kuala Lumpur, the lecture was accompanied by a launch gambit and a multi-media presentation.

A media briefing was also held in Kuala Lumpur and on hand to make the announcement were YBhg Dato’ Dr. Khoo Kah Lin, Director of Yayasan Jantung Malaysia and Prof. Claude Benedict.  Dato’ Dr. Khoo presented findings of the poll whilst Prof. Benedict shared the medical information of this new breakthrough. Media personnel who attended the media briefing were given free cholesterol tests sponsored by the two pharmaceutical companies.

09-06-GEN-04-MY-023-IM